Service Pack and Update Center

Get the latest service pack or update for your version of Windows

A service pack (SP) is a Windows update, often combining previously released updates, that helps make Windows more reliable. Service packs, which are provided free of charge on this page, can include security and performance improvements and support for new types of hardware. Make sure you install the latest service pack to help keep Windows up to date. Service packs take about 30 minutes to install, and you'll need to restart your computer about halfway through the installation.

The recommended (and easiest) way to get updates such as service packs is to turn on Windows Update for Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista, or Automatic Updates for Windows XP, and let Windows notify you when the updates you need are ready to install.

Support for Windows XP has ended

Important:On April 8, 2014, Microsoft retired technical support for Windows XP, including security updates that help protect your PC. If you continue to use Windows XP, your computer might become more vulnerable to security and virus risks.
Learn more about end of support for Windows XP.

Get the latest service pack for free

The latest service pack for Windows XP is Service Pack 3 (SP3). To install Windows XP SP3, you must first have SP1a or SP2 installed.